Research:1977-07-01/Journal article/tantric-cannabis-use-in-india

India· Western Himalayas

Tantric Cannabis Use in India

Michael R. Aldrich

Journal of Psychedelic Drugs· 1977

Primary ethnographic and textual analysis tracing ceremonial cannabis use in Indian Tantrism to three converging Vedic traditions: magical use of bhang (Atharva Veda, second millennium BC), divine poison-drinking mythology (Churning of the Milk Ocean), and drug yoga (oshadhi/siddhi). Provides the most detailed English-language description of the vijaya (cannabis milkshake) consecration ritual from the Mahanirvana Tantra (c. 11th century AD), including full sequence of mantras, mudras and meditative stages. Notes approximately 90-minute interval between ingestion and ritual climax corresponds to pharmacological onset of oral cannabis. Argues vijaya functions as essential "sense-heightener" not merely a disinhibitor. Reports Tantric practice peaked in medieval Bengal and Himalayan kingdoms; in Bengal cannabis called siddhi (pun on "occult powers"). Personal communication from Prof. Agehananda Bharati that as of mid-1960s no one performed full traditional ceremonies. Author affiliated with Fitz Hugh Ludlow Memorial Library, San Francisco.